Lieberman: I'd Order Conquest of Gaza

The "dubious quiet" in Gaza is being used by Hamas for building its power, says MK.

By Gil Ronen

First Publish: 7/6/2013, 10:18 PM

MK Lieberman

Israel news photo: Flash 90

MK Avigdor Lieberman, Head of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, said Saturday that if he were prime minister, he'd order the IDF to conquer Gaza.

Speaking on Voice of Israel radio, Lieberman said that there is "a dubious quiet" in Gaza at the moment, which is being used by Hamas for building its power.

Regarding the rebellion and coup in Egypt, Lieberman said that he has no doubt that jihadist elements in Sinai will try to take advantage of the situation in order to hurt Israel. He said that Israel has an interest in Egypt's stability.

Lieberman said that the reports that Israel intends to make gestures toward the Palestinian Authority ahead of a resumption of negotiations are untrue, to the best of his knowledge. He said that the Yisrael Beytenu faction inside Likud will oppose such moves.

According to Alsharq Alawsat, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's plan for resumption of talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority includes an undeclared building freeze outside the settlement blocs and a gradual release of 103 terrorist prisoners who have been in jail for over 20 years.